International Kite Festival
Eyes to the sky on the beach of San Vito Lo Capo
About Kite Festival
The International Kite Festival of San Vito Lo Capo
On the famous white sandy beach of San Vito Lo Capo, in the heart of the Trapani province and overlooking the gulf dominated by Monte Monaco, one of the most poetic events in western Sicily takes place every spring: the International Kite Festival. For five days, the sky is populated by kites of every shape, size, and color, in a triumph of luminous geometry that attracts families, curious onlookers, and enthusiasts from all over Italy and abroad.
A festival born in 2009
Conceived by Ignazio Billera and organized by the Associazione Emporio Musica, the festival has grown edition after edition to become a landmark for kite culture in the Mediterranean. Professional kite flyers from various European countries bring their creations to the beach: from large inflatable kites shaped like animals and characters to the acrobatics of steerable kites, and the spectacular Rokkaku kite battles.
The program
- Inaugural Parade: The official opening starts from the Town Hall on Via Savoia, accompanied by the marching band, and travels through the town to the flying field on the beach.
- Daily Exhibitions: Throughout the day, the beach hosts kite flying displays, roving performances, street artists, and music.
- Creative Workshops: Educational activities to build and decorate your own kite, using eco-friendly materials, with an area dedicated to children.
- Night of the Luminous Kites: On Saturday night, illuminated kites dance in the starry sky, accompanied by lights, music, and choreography.
- Wind Fair: Stands featuring artisanal products and local specialties.
A moment of civic remembrance
Among the most poignant moments is the commemorative ceremony for the anniversary of the Capaci massacre: every year, at 5:58 PM on May 23rd, white kites are launched in memory of Giovanni Falcone, his wife Francesca Morvillo, and their security detail, accompanied by readings dedicated to their legacy.
Admission to the festival is free, and the event takes place entirely outdoors, on the beach and in the streets of San Vito Lo Capo's town center.
Kite Festival — edition 2026
2026 Edition (XVI)
The sixteenth edition of the International Kite Festival was held in San Vito Lo Capo from May 20 to 24, 2026, with the slogan "Eyes to the Sky."
The official opening, on Wednesday, May 20 at 10:00 AM, featured the traditional inaugural parade starting from the Town Hall on Via Savoia, accompanied by the marching band, institutional greetings, kite school demonstrations, and the opening of the free-flight area. The central days of Thursday, May 21 and Friday, May 22, featured mega inflatable kites, Rokkaku kite battles, workshops for children and adults, and evening shows.
On Saturday, May 23, at 5:58 PM, the ceremony for the 34th anniversary of the Capaci massacre took place, with the launch of white kites and readings dedicated to Giovanni Falcone, Francesca Morvillo, and the security detail. In the evening, "The Magic of Kites at Night" illuminated the beach with lights, music, and choreography. Sunday, May 24, marked the end of the event.
Programme Kite Festival 2026
2026 Program
- Wednesday, May 20, 10:00 AM — Official opening: inaugural parade from the Town Hall on Via Savoia with the marching band, institutional greetings, kite school demonstrations, and opening of the free-flight area.
- Thursday, May 21 and Friday, May 22 — Mega inflatable kites, Rokkaku kite battles, workshops for children and adults, evening shows, roving performances, music, and street artists.
- Saturday, May 23, 5:58 PM — Commemorative ceremony for the 34th anniversary of the Capaci massacre with the launch of white kites and readings dedicated to Giovanni Falcone, Francesca Morvillo, and the security detail.
- Saturday, May 23, evening — "The Magic of Kites at Night": kites illuminated with lights, music, and light choreography on the beach.
- Sunday, May 24 — Final day.
Among the guest kite flyers of the 2026 edition, Mauro Fratoni and Massimo Dall'Aglio made their debut. The village dedicated to children, featuring creative workshops, mascots, and inflatables, was active throughout the event.
Highlights Kite Festival 2026
Prices Kite Festival 2026
Practical information — Kite Festival
How to get there
San Vito Lo Capo can be reached by car via the A29 Palermo-Mazara del Vallo motorway, taking the Castellammare del Golfo exit and continuing on the SP16. The nearest airport is Trapani-Birgi (about 60 km away); Palermo Falcone-Borsellino airport is approximately 100 km away.
Admission
Admission is free. Performances take place on the beach and in the town center.
Tips
San Vito Lo Capo is very busy during the festival: we recommend booking accommodation in advance and arriving early for parking. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and water for the daytime beach performances.
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Where does it take place — Kite Festival
Spiaggia di San Vito Lo Capo